UWA! The Path To Creating A Light Novel Is Riddled With Starlight And Honeycomb!

Chapter 2

As you can see, my life is easy and simple and boring. Because of my family's curse, I got what I wanted, when I wanted. I became lazy, and selfish. I knew I had a lot of influence. I used it however I wanted. For example...

Once a boy confessed to me and I didn't return his feelings. I was insulted he had the nerve to even speak to me. So I spread a couple of nasty rumors, mainly that I didn't like him, and he was outcast from society. He was miserable, shunned by everyone, berated by teachers for no reason.

I noticed him moping on a bridge a few weeks later, and thinking, 'If he gets much more depressed, he might jump. I don't want to have to deal with the death of a classmate', made sure there were witnesses from school, pulled him to his feet and offered my friendship.

Life continued as if nothing had happened. He was accepted immediately back into his friend group and pined for me at a distance, as he had always done, and as all do.

Do you understand why this is a curse, now? Do you understand the power I possess? A careless word could send someone spiraling off the deep end, while a mere rumor could ruin any competitors. At the time, I thought it like a perfect superpower. At the time, I used it at my leisure, always smiling, always happy, always perfect. And if I saw anyone looking down, I reminded them to cheer up. My mere speaking to them was probably a story they would pass down through generations. It was as if a goddess broke through and shed a small beam of golden light on their mortal skin and they thought themselves higher than kings, yet still leagues below me.

I knew my power, and I knew my sister's power. She is older than me, and knows better how to use the family's curse to her advantage. Yet I did not stop to think of the effect I had on others. The effect beyond my benefit, that is.

I didn't realize that effect, or even question it, until the day everything changed.

The day my sister was taken into the sea, and I was ushered to safety by people all too willing to assist.

I should start off by saying that the humans of Totally-Not-Tokyo had no idea of what lay below the surface. It was often taught that mindless, dangerous creatures prowled the water and snapped disobedient children from the water's edge. I always thought sea serpents and dragons must live down there, because that was what I read about. Rumors flew about of evil humans, cursed to live in a world of dangers, and it was a long time before I found out the last one was the most truthful.

~

It starts out a normal day, as I stroll to school, late as usual, and sit by the window, daydreaming as usual.

The waves far below are crystal clear, though partially blocked by platforms and people. In the water, I can see fish swimming about aimlessly. Most here are small and harmless, though the occasional shark can be seen far below, close to the forgotten streets, brushing up against the seagrass as they stalk small fish. But for a moment I think I see-

No- no, there's nothing there-!

Something far below, close to the street, is swimming in a way I've never seen a fish swim. It is large enough to be a shark, albeit not a Great White, but its tail moves up and down, not side to side. Peculiar...

I only feel panic begin to fill me when I see more shapes emerge from around the corner of a building behind it. They are not normal. They are swimming in formation. They are moving fast.

My hand flies up, and I point out the window, and the class crowds closer. While they are distracted, I break for the door. I run through the abandoned cubicles and up the stairs to the roof. My goal now is to get to higher ground, and the highest ground in Totally-Not-Tokyo is the mayor's office.